The Canadian economy fell into recession in the first half of last year as the GDP contracted for the first two quarters of 2015, hit hard by the drop in oil prices. Growth picked up in the third quarter last year, but economists have raised concerns about the last quarter of 2015.

Statistics Canada said Tuesday that manufacturing sales last year increased on an annual basis in 12 out of 21 industries with transportation equipment showing the largest gain.

Sales of motor vehicles rose 9.1 per cent as the lower loonie relative to the U.S. dollar contributed to the increase, although the number of vehicles produced was down in 2015. Motor vehicle parts sales were up 8.9 per cent, while plastics and rubber products gained 5.4 per cent.

The monthly increase in December was led by growing sales for the motor vehicle and wood products industries. Sales fell for petroleum and coal products.